DES MOINES, Iowa (KWWL) – The Iowa Department of Public Health has confirmed three cases of the British COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7. in Iowa.
This virus variant is often called the British variant because it was first detected in the United Kingdom. Based on epidemiological and modeling data, researchers believe that this strain can spread more easily than the original strain of COVID-19. Current COVID-19 vaccines are considered effective against the variant strain.
Two of the three cases were detected in Johnson County, an adult between the ages of 18-40 and a middle-aged adult between the ages of 41-60. The third case was detected in an adult in the district of Bremer. IDPH and local public health are working to understand their exposure and begin the health monitoring process. Anyone who has been in close contact with these individuals will be notified. The individuals were asked to isolate them according to IDPH and CDC guidance.
The positive cases were identified by the State Hygienic Lab. which has been tested for the British variant since early December.
“Viruses are constantly changing through mutation, and new variants of a virus are expected to appear over time. Sometimes new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and continue to exist. Multiple variants of the virus “COVID-19 has been documented in the United States and worldwide during this pandemic. Public health will continue to monitor these trends with our partners at SHL, and it is very important that we all apply good public health protection measures. the dr. Caitlin Pedati, medical director of state and Epidemiologist said.
IDPH says the emergence of new variants underscores the critical need for Iowans to continue to follow public health guidelines:
- Wear a mask or face mask
- Practice social distance with those outside your household
- Clean your hands regularly with soap and water
- Stay home if you feel sick
- Get tested if you have been exposed to or have symptoms of COVID-19
- Consider getting a COVID-19 vaccine when available
IDPH says that this number of cases represents only the variant strains confirmed by genomic sequencing, and that it may not accurately reflect the true number of variant cases in the state.